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This week's hero is...
William Ellery
William Ellery was born on December 22, 1727, in Newport Rhode Island. He grew up as the son of a merchant and entered Harvard University when he was only 16. He successfully graduated in 1747. When he returned to Newport, Ellery became a merchant like his father and got involved in the trading business. However, he quickly discovered that this profession was not in his best interest. After working as a customs collector and as a clerk for the Rhode Island General Assembly, he decided to enter politics. Little did he know, he was about to play a role in the future of a nation.
In the year 1776, one of Rhode Island's delegates to the Continental Congress (Samuel Ward) suffered an untimely death while the issue of Independence was being discussed. Since it was the smallest of the colonies, the Rhode Island legislature knew that at least two representatives were needed to make their population's voice heard. By this point, William Ellery had already made his position on the matter clear to his country men.
In the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Ellery became a major advocate for armed resistance against British occupation. He was quoted as saying, "You must exert yourself. To be ruled by Tories, when we may be ruled by Sons of Liberty, how debasing! There is liberty and fire enough, it only requires the application of the bellows. Blow, then, a blast will shake this country!" His patriotic words inspired thousands of Rhode Islanders to move into Massachusetts and join the growing Continental Army that was converging on Boston. Due to his ardent viewpoints and distinguished credentials, the Rhode Island Congress chose Ellery to become their second delegate on May 4. Less than two weeks later, Ellery joined fellow delegate, Stephen Hopkins at the Second Continental Congress down in Philadelphia.
After the Patriot stand at Bunker Hill, the Sons of Liberty made the decision to sign the Declaration of Independence. Ellery later wrote, "I was determined to see how they all looked as the signed what might be their death warrant. I placed myself beside the Secretary Charles Thomson and eyed closely as he affixed each name to the document. Undaunted resolution was displayed in every countenance". When it was his turn to sign, Ellery made his signature big and clear. It was the second-largest signature after John Hancock.
After the signing, William Ellery was placed on Congress's Marine Committee and was instrumental in smuggling supplies and clothing to the Continental Army. However, he was prevented from returning to his home in Newport due to the city being captured and occupied by the British. Despite this setback, Ellery continued to serve in the Continental Congress until the end of the war.
After the US had become independent, William Ellery continued to serve in the Congress until 1786. After that, he became an advocate for abolishing slavery. In 1790, President George Washington appointed Ellery as Collector of Customs for the city of Newport, a post he held for the next thirty years. In the last years of his life, he reflected on his contributions to American independence and the life he had lived. He wrote, "I have been a clerk of the court, a quack lawyer, a member of Congress, one of the lords of the Admiralty, a judge, a loan officer, and finally a Collector of the Customs and thus, not without great difficulty, but as honestly, thank God, as most men, I have got through the journey of a varied and somewhat anxious life". He passed away on February 15, 1820, at the age of 92.
Out of all the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, William Ellery is one of the least well-known. However, he was a very interesting figure who dedicated his life to helping those around him in the best way possible while securing the future of our country. He truly is a person who should be held in high regard.
https://www.dsdi1776.com/signers-by-state/william-ellery/
https://www.revolutionary-war.net/william-ellery/
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